By Kevin “McBride” McKim
Photos by Bill Bungard
What a night it was. Seattle’s Paramount Theater was treated to an evening of music from Diana Krall’s current world tour. A much different side of the sultry-voiced jazz-singing, piano-playing performer was well-received by the sold-out house.
The stage was set in cloudy, red lighting with a crescent moon, a player piano, and her Daddy’s old gramophone matched to a backdrop of vintage cartoons and silent film dancers. Krall, along with her stellar band, transported the crowd on a journey back in time to the 1920s and ’30s – the era of the vaudeville performer.
A set list that included “Wide River to Cross,” “Glad Rag Doll,” “Frim Fram Sauce,” and a killer cover of Tom Wait’s “Temptation,” kept everyone in the groove.
As her band left the stage midway through the show, Krall mounted the stool at the player piano and knocked out some great boogie tunes, including a request for her signature tune, “Peel Me a Grape.” Coupled with her quick-witted banter and stories, it was apparent she came to play and connect with her fans.
I noticed the lady seated next to me wore a smile throughout the show – a fan for sure. So, I asked her for her take on the performance and she obliged . . .
“Diana had the perfect blend of jazz and visual art. The set list was varied and interesting. She connected with the audience and made me feel like I had stepped into her living room for an intimate conversation.”
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